Overview

Known as The Racecourse Ground for many years as it used to be located inside the town's racecourse, Derbyshire's ground has often looked in the same dilapidated state as the team. Until 1982 it didn't have dedicated changing-rooms, so the players used the old jockeys' quarters. The course was scrapped in 1939 due to poor crowds and the cricket square moved to its present location. The ground can often be exposed to the elements, especially during a typical April or May day, so only the hardiest of supporters (and Derbyshire fans need to be a hardy bunch) will watch from the stands. However, recently the ground has undergone a notable transformation through some astute redevelopment, making it a much more pleasant location to watch cricket - if not always improving the weather. Parts were sold off to a hotel and leisure company and the Grandstand has been rebuilt to house an indoor school and a range of facilities for players, spectators and media. Until the 1990s a famous part of the ground was Carol's Cabin, a food caravan that served some of best pies on the county circuit.
Andrew McGlashan